By Ally Jamah
Nairobi, Kenya: Officials of the International Criminal Court have indicated to the judges in the trial of President Uhuru Kenyatta that it would take at least two months to set up a video-link infrastructure in Nairobi.
In their submission, ICC’s Registry said a minimum of two months would be required to procure addition equipment and shipping, modifications and installation of courtroom 1 and preparation of the location in Nairobi.
This is contained in submissions by ICC Director of the Division of Court Services Marc Dubuisson on behalf of court Registrar Silvana Arbia on Tuesday.
The ICC judges are expected to make a decision on whether Uhuru would have to be present in the courtroom during his trial or participate remotely by video-link.
Dubuisson added that the registry might require more time to plan all the court hearings to reduce possible interference in the Uhuru case, considering other cases are ongoing in the courtrooms at The Hague.
The submissions also indicated that at least Sh5.5 million is required to set up the facilities, including internet connection set up costs, internet connection subscription, videoconferencing systems with external cameras and microphones upgrade of the courtroom.
Additional costs would include recruiting an audio-visual technician and travel costs and allowances for staff members. In his estimates, Dubuisson said in the event of a “continuous” video-link with Uhuru, an additional Legal Officer/Courtroom Officer within the court management section is required.
Separate audio-visual and legal staff would be required in case a witness appeared on video link simultaneously with Uhuru. Dubuisson indicated that an upgrade of courtroom 1 would be necessary if a witness also appear via video-link at the same time Uhuru will be appearing.
He said additional videoconferencing and distribution equipment would be purchased and installed.
He said a reliable and constant electricity supply would be needed to avoid interrupting the proceedings and this would be achieved using a generator.
In their March 8 order to the registry to make submissions about the video-link, the Trial Judges said the video link must be secure and professional, with the court being responsible for installing and operating the system in Nairobi and at The Hague.
In their submission, the Registry says there is a higher risk of delays in court proceedings using video-link than the accused being physically present in the courtroom.
“The registry maintains its view that a video-link setup should be an ad hoc solution rather than a structural one,” said Dubuisson.
